Hmar Martyrs’ Trophy 2017: Heartbreak for FC RIDIL as FAST-A are through to the final

Ccpur, May 13, 2017: Debut campaigners FC RIDIL were left shell-shocked while the vocal FAST-A fans had the last laugh as FAST-A clinched a 2-0 win against heavyweights FC RIDIL courtesy of goals from Samuel Ramtha and Lalneidik in today’s tense semi-finals clash of the ongoing 14th Hmar Martyrs’ Trophy 2017 played at Saikot playground, Churachandpur.

The highly anticipated semi-finals began with both sides setting up a compact game as chances were few and goal-mouth actions were rare. However, with 10 minutes past, the first sight on goal arrived as FAST-A went close when Lalneidik and Cleaven Hmar combined well down the left flank but the former’s left-foot cross went flat across the goal without interception and moments later, FAST-A got their opener when a Samuel Hmar’s free-kick deflected into the top-left angle and taking advantage of FC RIDIL’s commitment to attack Lalneidik saw his shot went straight to the RIDIL’s goalkeeper and with half-time approaching FAST-A goalkeeper Haokip was forced into action as he acted fast to deny Jerry Pulamte’s free-kick from the left-hand corner and the tense first-half ended 1-0.

The match restarted with FC RIDIL showing signs of promise and 5 minutes into the restart, Sangkar saw his fierce strike went straight to the FAST goalkeeper Jedidi Haokip and in the opposite goal, Samuel Ramtha had his free-kick tipped over the bar by Sanaton.

However, with key defender Imman out injured, FC RIDIL were forced to make a reshuffle with midfielder Arif moving back deeper to shield the depleted defence and taking advantage of the tactical change, FAST-A sieged control in midfield with Cleaven Hmar and Samuel Ramtha having a comfortable life in the middle of the park and towards the closing stages, substitute Gogou Hangshing almost double his team’s advantage as he put his effort just wide when set free on goal and even as FC RIDIL were pressing high up the pitch they were left frustrated by the solid defence of FAST-A and in stoppage time Lalneidik killed off the tie with a sublime finish off a counter-attack as FAST-A emerged 2-0 winners to set up a summit showdown with reigning champions Sielmat YC and the result left FC RIDIL and their faithful fans dejected as their historic march in debut tournament ended abruptly.